Transmission problems?
- Thread starter Gecko123
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Thought the v6's had a sealed transmission?
BlackWorksInc
New member
Sealed simply means there's no dipstick and it has a more complicated and pointless method for checking the fluid level. They still have a drain plug and you can still refill the transmission.
Toyota says the fluid is "lifetime" but under heavy use or towing, you replace it after 60k and then every 30k (Which is why I don't believe "lifetime" and just recc. 100k for normal driving) a simply drain and fill is good enough for this transmissions, Toyota doesn't recommend machine flushing our sealed transmissions.
You wouldn't believe how many people we get with (usually Tundras for some reason...) that drained the Trans fluid only to find out they couldn't fill it up through the dipstick!
boondoggle
Member
Not to derail too much but….
How effective do you think it would be to drain what you could from the system, then just pump new fluid in until you reached the fill hole - without doing the full blown change at temp procedure as described in the FSM?
How many quarts do you think that would replace?
How effective do you think it would be to drain what you could from the system, then just pump new fluid in until you reached the fill hole - without doing the full blown change at temp procedure as described in the FSM?
How many quarts do you think that would replace?
That is essentially a drain and fill. Works fine. You do several of those, spaced over a little time and you mostly clean fluid. Def a low risk way of dealing with it.
I am at 125k, sealed trans. Drives smooth as silk. Did have the recommended fluid exchange on the WS fluid. I had them let me look at it. It was dark, but not burnt and still in good condition.
That fluid is VERY strong. Unless you are towing hard, after you do the first 100k service, I think checking every 20 or 30k, with a 50 or 60k change interval is fine.
I am at 125k, sealed trans. Drives smooth as silk. Did have the recommended fluid exchange on the WS fluid. I had them let me look at it. It was dark, but not burnt and still in good condition.
That fluid is VERY strong. Unless you are towing hard, after you do the first 100k service, I think checking every 20 or 30k, with a 50 or 60k change interval is fine.
BlackWorksInc
New member
The only problem is these sealed units are finicky about being under or over filled. If you filled it until it dribbled out of the fill tube, you've filled it too much. You need to undo the overflow tube and fill until fluid starts coming out of it, then warm it up to the temp range and make sure it only drips a little then you're level is perfect.
Is the drain and fill something you would suggest an average DIYer? I have read some of the posts on here reguarding it. I just rolled over 100k and I don't know how the truck was driven prior to me. I had the front, rear, and center diffs serviced before I towed an enclosed trailer to North Caronlina. No issues however, at the time I was unsure if I should mess with the transmisson. Would a local shop try the flush method if I took it in for a "normal" transmission service?
If this is something easily done yourself can someone tell me excatly what type of fliud I need to buy from my local parts store?
If this is something easily done yourself can someone tell me excatly what type of fliud I need to buy from my local parts store?
And this is why I just let Toyota deal with it.
This transmission seems so picky about level. Besides, if Toyota does it and it breaks.. you are covered. Since, to be honest, with the WS, you only need to do this 1 every 6 or 7 years then paying Toyota to do it isn't that huge.
No. Do not let a non-toyota do it. And do NOT do a flush. You want a fluid exchange only. The difference is this: A Flush uses outside pressure to PUSH the fluid out. It can hurt, or damage things. An exchange uses the natural pressure of the transmission to move the fluid out organically and is much easier on the transmission.
Second. WS standard is a Toyota fluid and the transmission is picky about how it is serviced. It needs to be at a specific temperature and so on. If you are going to pay someone to mess with your 5k transmission, let the experts do it.
There was a thread on here recently where a kid let a non-toyota shop deal with his XREAS, and as I suggested, they buggered it all up.
For some things, like brand specific equipment... let the dealer handle it if you don't want to do it yourself.Thanks! I will look into seeing how much a dealer wants. Any estimataes?No. Do not let a non-toyota do it. And do NOT do a flush. You want a fluid exchange only. The difference is this: A Flush uses outside pressure to PUSH the fluid out. It can hurt, or damage things. An exchange uses the natural pressure of the transmission to move the fluid out organically and is much easier on the transmission.
Second. WS standard is a Toyota fluid and the transmission is picky about how it is serviced. It needs to be at a specific temperature and so on. If you are going to pay someone to mess with your 5k transmission, let the experts do it.
There was a thread on here recently where a kid let a non-toyota shop deal with his XREAS, and as I suggested, they buggered it all up.
Yes. When I had it done in Washington D.C., so expensive area, it was 285 for total fluid exchange.
If you are in a lower cost area, could be cheaper. But I def. wouldn't accept any higher. D.C. is usually rated number 1 or 2 highest cost of living in the country. So, any higher, and your getting robbed.
If you are in a lower cost area, could be cheaper. But I def. wouldn't accept any higher. D.C. is usually rated number 1 or 2 highest cost of living in the country. So, any higher, and your getting robbed.
yes. When i had it done in washington d.c., so expensive area, it was 285 for total fluid exchange.
If you are in a lower cost area, could be cheaper. But i def. Wouldn't accept any higher. D.c. Is usually rated number 1 or 2 highest cost of living in the country. So, any higher, and your getting robbed.
:jaw drop:$285?!?!?!
I'm clearly in the wrong line of work.
Someone correct me if I'm wrong but I thought the reason they don't do flushes is because a flush recirculates the shavings that are inevitably at the bottom of the pan. It puts them back up into the transmission where they could cause problems.
boondoggle
Member
Thanks for the replies.
I'll probably just take it to the dealer. Or, there's a local Toyota/Lexus specialist nearby I've thought about finding a reason to build a relationship with. Maybe I'll give him a call.
It reminds me of the caution necessary on the CVT transmission in my wife's Ford Freestyle - it's a 60k mile service with a special sauce and special process. Even some of the Ford dealership guys weren't even familiar with it and there are varying reports of dealership knowledge on how they should be handled. Ford. Gotta love em… smh
For something that probably won't need to be done again until the end of the decade, based on my habits, probably just easiest to take it on in.
To answer the OP's question, no tranny issues. Mine is fine. Sorry for the hijack.
I'll probably just take it to the dealer. Or, there's a local Toyota/Lexus specialist nearby I've thought about finding a reason to build a relationship with. Maybe I'll give him a call.
It reminds me of the caution necessary on the CVT transmission in my wife's Ford Freestyle - it's a 60k mile service with a special sauce and special process. Even some of the Ford dealership guys weren't even familiar with it and there are varying reports of dealership knowledge on how they should be handled. Ford. Gotta love em… smh
For something that probably won't need to be done again until the end of the decade, based on my habits, probably just easiest to take it on in.
To answer the OP's question, no tranny issues. Mine is fine. Sorry for the hijack.
78k v8 no issue
Fluid is Amsoil ws flushed at home.
Two things about the comments above.
I have never seen a flush machine in service at a shop that doesn't use the transmission pump and uses an external pump, but i guess it wouldn't hurt to ask.
The proper way to get the right ATF level is to put the tcu in service mode, and let excess ATF drain out when the light comes on.
Best way to do that is after you flush/filled whatever, start car and activate service mode, fill until ATF drains out (when cold), hand tight overflow plug to stop any leaks, wait until light comes on, immediately open overflow to allow excess to drain to a small drizzle. Torque down overflow.
The ATF expands when at operating temp, you will loose very minimum amount of fluid and ensure you have 100% the right amount of ATF.
Fluid is Amsoil ws flushed at home.
Two things about the comments above.
I have never seen a flush machine in service at a shop that doesn't use the transmission pump and uses an external pump, but i guess it wouldn't hurt to ask.
The proper way to get the right ATF level is to put the tcu in service mode, and let excess ATF drain out when the light comes on.
Best way to do that is after you flush/filled whatever, start car and activate service mode, fill until ATF drains out (when cold), hand tight overflow plug to stop any leaks, wait until light comes on, immediately open overflow to allow excess to drain to a small drizzle. Torque down overflow.
The ATF expands when at operating temp, you will loose very minimum amount of fluid and ensure you have 100% the right amount of ATF.
